Japanese Shares Struggle as Yen Strengthens

2026-09-08 00:54 By Jam Kaimo Samonte 1 min. read

The Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.4% to trade above 66,700, while the broader Topix Index fell 0.6% to around 4,100 on Tuesday, with Japanese shares lacking clear direction as the yen extended gains to reach its strongest level since February.

A stronger yen weighs on earnings prospects for Japan’s export-oriented industries while making Japanese assets more expensive for overseas investors.

Markets were also preparing for an expected Bank of Japan rate hike, supported by strong economic data showing July wages rose at their fastest pace since 1997 and second-quarter GDP growth was revised higher.

Meanwhile, elevated oil prices following renewed US-Iran fighting kept inflation risks and interest rate concerns firmly in focus.

Among individual stocks, SoftBank Group (4.1%), Advantest (1.4%) and Fujikura (91.1%) posted notable gains, while Taiyo Yuden (-5.4%), Ibiden Co (-2.4%) and Murata Manufacturing (-4.8%) recorded sharp declines.



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Japanese Shares Struggle as Yen Strengthens
The Nikkei 225 Index gained 0.4% to trade above 66,700, while the broader Topix Index fell 0.6% to around 4,100 on Tuesday, with Japanese shares lacking clear direction as the yen extended gains to reach its strongest level since February. A stronger yen weighs on earnings prospects for Japan’s export-oriented industries while making Japanese assets more expensive for overseas investors. Markets were also preparing for an expected Bank of Japan rate hike, supported by strong economic data showing July wages rose at their fastest pace since 1997 and second-quarter GDP growth was revised higher. Meanwhile, elevated oil prices following renewed US-Iran fighting kept inflation risks and interest rate concerns firmly in focus. Among individual stocks, SoftBank Group (4.1%), Advantest (1.4%) and Fujikura (91.1%) posted notable gains, while Taiyo Yuden (-5.4%), Ibiden Co (-2.4%) and Murata Manufacturing (-4.8%) recorded sharp declines.
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